Nurses in Nigeria’s public health sector have suspended their seven-day warning strike following a breakthrough agreement with the federal government on key demands related to pay, staffing, and working conditions.
The National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) announced on Saturday that the industrial action, which began on July 30, had been called off after the government provided “clear timelines” for implementing their demands through a signed memorandum of understanding.
The union had threatened to escalate the warning strike into an indefinite one if their concerns were not addressed within the stipulated timeframe. Among the core issues raised were calls for improved remuneration, better working conditions, and accelerated recruitment of healthcare personnel.
A decisive meeting held on Friday between union leaders and top government officials, including Health and Social Welfare Minister Ali Pate and Labour and Employment Minister Muhammad Dingyadi, led to the resolution. Both parties agreed that no nurse who participated in the strike would face disciplinary action.
Minister Pate later confirmed the suspension of the strike and pledged the government’s commitment to fulfilling the agreement, aiming to restore stability within the country’s strained healthcare system.
NANNM said it would closely monitor the implementation process to ensure the government delivers on its promises.
Written By Rodney Mbua
